Laminating apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A light box has a glass plate with a grounded conductive sheet on its underside, and a light within the box; a charging bar is moveable above the plate to provide electrostatic clamping of film to the plate, and an ion generator causes ions to flow over the plate to prevent dust from accumulating on the film. A method includes electrostatically adhering a film to a support, positioning art work and a transparent film successively over the first film, and electrostatically adhering the films together while causing a flow of ions over the films and art work to prevent dust adherence to the film.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Anthony Q. Testone 1,731,030 10/1929 Thompson l5/l.5 Lflnsdale, P 3,359,469 12/1967 Levy et al. 317/262 [21] Appl. No. 866,205 9 3,473,097 10/1969 Barnett 317/262 [22] Filed Oct. 14,1 69 4s Patented 0ct.l9,197l j"'"' A [73] Assignee Testone Electrostatics Corporation Home)- avme amor an elch West Point, Pa.

[54] LAMINATING APPARATUS AND METHOD 18 Claims, 8 Drawing Figs.

ABSTRACT: A light box has a glass plate with a grounded UOS n t 4 a a 1 E, a a

317/4 charging bar is moveable above the plate to provide electro- [51] IIILCI H05, Static damping of m to the plate, and an ion generator Gogf 7/02 causes ions to flow over the plate to prevent dust from accu- [50] Fleld of Search 1. 317/262, mulafing on the a A method includes electrostaficauy 262 E hering a film to a su port, ositionin art work and a transf P P g parent 11m successively over the first film, and electrostati- [56] References Cited cally adhering the films together while causing a flow of ions UNITED STATES PATENTS over the films and art work to prevent dust adherence to the 1,169,428 1/1916 Rogers 15/115 film.

0000 52300000000000 p 2'? m e t a 2o |6 i 6 7 i x :l 2 3 l e 6 l9 '1 1 1| m v 1| n y q- 4/ PATENTEDum 1'9 |97l SHEET 1 BF 2 2 u'wsrfion ANTHONY Q TESTONE BY 9601/20, 6 (1/2/02 d ATTORNEYS I LAMINATING APPARATUS AND METHOD BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus for laminating films of material with art work between them, utilizing a light box with electrostatic generators. Further, the present invention relates to a method for laminating a pasteup utilized in the printing industry.

In devices for assembling plural layers of film, so-called electrostatic clamping has been utilized, there generally being provided an electrostatic generator to hold together the layers of film, or to electrostatically clamp a film to a supporting surface, such as a cylinder in a printing press. However, such structures have not provided for light transmission through the supporting surface so as to enable art work to be positioned as desired, nor have these prior art devices provided for ion generation to remove static while at the same time providing for electrostatic clamping.

In the preparation of publications it is often desirable to provide photographs and/or drawings, related to certain wording within a display or panel, which latter may constitute a part of or the entirety of a page of the publication in its final form. To accomplish this, the photographs or drawings are produced in a desired size, and lines of printing are produced. This material, generally designated as art work," is placed upon a carrier sheet held to a light box, or other suitable support. The art work and lines of words which have been printed in desired size are positioned on a support sheet, such as paper, and are secured to the support sheet by suitable adhesive. The support sheet and the adhered art work, comprising the above-mentioned photographs and/or drawings and printed material is known as a pasteup" and this pasteup is then photographed, the photograph thereafter being used in producing the publications by known processes. Several problems arise, however, with the production of the pasteup in the above-described manner. It is difiicult and time consuming to place the various elements of the art work in the desired relative position, and to then adhere them by suitable adhesives in their properly related positions, maintaining appropriate spacings and orientation between the several elements of the art work. Hence, the known pasteup systems, heretofore utilizing adhesives or wax have been time consuming. In addition, great care was required in order to prevent dust particles or dirt from appearing on the finished pasteup since these would be visible in the photograph, and consequently in the finished publication.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The apparatus of the present invention includes a light box with an inclined supporting glass plate, which may be transparent or translucent. A suitable light is provided within the light box, and on the underside of the glass plate there is a substantially coextensive conductive sheet which is grounded and which permits the passage of light through it; a wire screen is suitable for this purpose. A charging bar is supported for movement above and generally parallel to the upper surface of the glass plate, this charging bar comprising a plurality of ionizing points directed at the plate and connected with a source of direct current so as to provide for the generation of ions of a selected polarity, such as positive. A static eliminator bar is provided adjacent one edge of the glass plate, being contained within the housing, and having a plurality of ionizing points directed generally parallel to the upper surface of the plate. The static eliminating bar is connected with a source of alternating current, and thereby generates ions of opposite polarity to the ions generated by the charging bar. These ions are caused to move over the upper surface of the glass plate by a blower contained within the housing which causes air to flow past the static eliminating bar, and thence over the surface of the glass plate.

The method of making a pasteup includes the positioning of a first insulative sheet such as a plastic film onto a suitable surface. then ionizing the plastic film so that ions of a particular polarity are adjacent a particular surface of the film. Then art work is positioned on that surface of the film, and finally a second film, which is transparent, is placed over the art work, engaging it and the first film. The second film is ionized so that it is electrostatically held to the first film, with the art work between the two films being held firmly in place. During the steps of assembling the films and art work, a flow of ions is caused to pass over the films and art work so as to prevent the accumulation of dust or other visible particles.

Among the objects of the present invention, therefore, are to provide an apparatus which will permit the laminating of multiple films by electrostatic adherence while at the same time preventing the accumulation of dust or other visible particles. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus in which a charging bar and a static bar are associated with a light transmitting supporting plate. A still further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus to enable the rapid and dust-free joining, by electrostatic attraction, of multiple films.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for assembling pasteups and other multiple film laminations in a rapid manner. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method or assembling film laminations such as pasteups which are substantially free of extraneous particles. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing film laminations such as pasteups without the utilization of adhesives or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is a perspective view of a laminating apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 2-2 FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the structure shown within the circle designated 3 on FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a first step in practicing the method of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing a first film applied to a support.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, illustrating the ionizing of the first film.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, after the application of ad ditional elements.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the steps including the addition of a second film, and the ionizing thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, wherein like or corresponding reference numerals are used to designate like or corresponding parts throughout several views, there is shown in FIG. I a laminating apparatus generally designated 10 comprising a substantially light proof metal housing 11. Housing 11 has an inclined opening therein in which is positioned a glass plate 12, which is preferably translucent and is provided with suitable grid markings l3 visible from the exterior of the housing I 1; grid markings 13 preferably extend over the entire surface of glass plate 12.

A charging bar 15 extends across and above the glass plate 12, being carried by support blocks 16 and 17 which ride upon flanges 18 and I9 extending outwardly from the sides of housing 1 1 and lie generally parallel to the glass plate 12. Mounted in support block 17 is a switch 20 which is connected in the power supply circuit to the charging bar 15. A system of cables 21 of known construction is anchored to the housing 1 1, extending over pulleys 22 carried on each of the blocks 16 and 17; the cable system 2] permits the structure including the charging bar 15 and support blocks 16 and 17 to move along the flanges l8 and 19, so as to cause the charging bar 15 to pass over the entire surface of the glass plate 12 from the top edge to the bottom edge thereof, the bar 15 occupying different positions which are parallel to each other. An insulated conductor 23 is connected to the charging bar 15, and passes into the housing 1 1 through an insulating shield 24.

A brush is provided which includes bristles 26 of a conductive material, such as metal, bronze being preferred. The metal conductive bristles 26 are connected by an insulated conductor 27 which is connected to the housing 11, which is grounded, this construction thereby providing a grounded connection for the bristles 26. The exterior of the handle 28 of brush 25 is also of a conducting material, which is also connected with ground through the insulated connector 27 and housing I l.

Adjacent the upper edge of the glass plate 12 is an apertured panel 30, and as may be seen in FIG. 2, a static bar 35 is supported within the housing 11 behind the apertured panel 30. A blower 31 is provided, and includes a conventional air impeller driven by a suitable electric motor, blower 31 directing air generally towards the static bar 35, which air then flows through the apertured panel 30 and passes at low velocity over plate 12.-Suitable openings 32 may be provided in the rear wall of the housing 11 to provide a ready supply of air for the blower 31.

Static bar 35 comprises a plurality of ionizing points 36 mounted on a suitable conducting rod 37, each of the points 36 being located behind one of the apertures of the apertured panel 30. The static bar 35 is connected with a suitable alternating current source 38 by a conductor 39. The source 38 may be a transformer connected by a conductor 41 to a standard power line 42, which is preferably energized from a standard 110 volt alternating current source. The power line 42 is connected by a conductor 43 to a source 44 of direct current, the conductor 23 being connected to the output thereof.

Within the housing 1 l, as shown in FIG. 2, is a suitable light source 46, such as a fluorescent tube, connected by a conductor 47 to the power cord 42, 43. Also to be seen in FIG. 2 is a peripherally extending inwardly directed flange 48 which serves to support the glass plate 12.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there may be seen the glass plate 12, beneath which is a suitable generally planar grounding element 50 which is shown as a metal screen in engagement with the under surface of glass plate 12. The element 50 will therefore be seen to be a conductor of electricity which permits the passage of light through it. Instead of a screen, element 50 may comprise a layer of metal, for instance vapor deposited aluminum, which is also both electrically conductive and light transmissive. The aluminum layer may be deposited directly onto the undersurface of the glass plate 12 or onto a suitable carrier, such as a mylar film which is adhered to the under surface of glass plate 12. In whatever form the element 50 is provided, it is grounded, as by contact with the aforementioned peripherally extending flange 48. Also in FIG. 3 there may be seen a flange 19 and the supporting blocks 17 together with pulleys 22 and cable 21. The charging bar includes a rod 51 and a plurality of ionizing points 52 connected to it, only one point 52 being shown in FIG. 3. The ionizing points 52 are directed generally towards the surface of glass plate 12, and extend through an opening in an insulated housing 53.

In use, the blower 31 directs a stream of air past the static bar 35, the air passing through the apertured plate 30 and flowing gently downwardly over the surface of the glass plate 12. The static bar 35, being connected to a source of alternating current, causes ions to be generated at the ionizing points thereof, so that these ions are carried by the airstream from blower 31, thereby moving across the entire surface of the glass plate 12. The switch on the block 17 is depressed, to thereby connect the charging bar 15 with the direct current source 44, thereby causing the generation of ions at the ionizing points 52; the charging bar 15 may then be moved across and above the surface of the glass plate 12, and any articles placed thereon, so as to cause a polarizing of the glass plate, and of an article placed thereon. In practice, if a film or sheet of mylar (polyethylene terephthalate) is used, the charging bar 15 will be utilized to generate positive ions, and the static bar 35 will generate negative and positive ions. When the polarization of the upper surface of the glass plate 12 is positive, the positive ions emanating from the static bar will be repelled; while the negative ions will be attracted. This results in the elimination of the attraction of dust particles on either the glass plate 12 or a film or other material placed on it. Hence, the static bar 35 generates ions of the opposite polarity of the ions generated by the charging bar 15, in addition, static bar 35 may generate positive ions, this being accomplished through the utilization of a suitable source 38, etc., as is well known in the art. The brush 25 may be utilized as desired to ground either portions of articles or entire articles placed on the plate 12 and/or the operator.

With the above-described apparatus, a pasteup or other laminated structure may be produced without the use of adhesives by placing a first sheet on the glass plate 12 and then polarizing it by passing the energized charging bar 15 over it, thereby providing for electrostatic clamping of this first sheet to the glass plate 12. This first sheet may be transparent plastic, or alternatively may be either a black or a white sheet of nonconductive material, including mylar, other plastic, or paper. Next, and while the blower 31 and static bar 35 continue to cause ions to flow over the plate 12, one of more elements as of art work, are positioned on the first sheet, the positioning being facilitated by the grid lines 13 and the light passing through the element 50 and glass plate 12 from the light source 46. Conveniently, the art work is placed upon the first sheet facing upwardly. Thereafter, the second sheet is placed over the art work and over the first sheet, the second sheet being a transparent nonconductive sheet, such as transparent mylar. Then the charging bar 15 is caused to pass over the three element laminated structure thus provided with switch button 20 again depressed, and there results a pasteup comprising art work between two mylar or the like films or sheets, the assemblage being held together by electrostatic forces. The laminated structure thus provided may be photographed through the second mylar sheet, and because of the continuous flow of ions from the static bar 35, this pasteup laminated structure is satisfactorily free of dust or other particles which would be visible in a photograph of it. When the pasteup structure is removed from the surface of the glass plate 12, the top edge is removed first, so as to provide for a flow of the ionized air between the upper surface of the glass plate 12 and the bottom surface of the bottom sheet to remove surface charges from the outer surfaces of the sheets. A pasteup thus fabricated retains its charge and assembled position for a suitable length of time, such as three months.

Should a correction in the pasteup be required, it is only necessary to place it upon the glass plate 12 and to place a modified art work element upon the upper surface of the second sheet, and then to place a third sheet thereover, after which the charging of the third sheet is effected by the passing of the energized charging bar 15 thereover. Hence, it will be seen thatnot only are suitable dust-free pasteups expeditiously manufactured through the use of the present apparatus without the utilization of adhesives, but in addition, corrections may be readily made.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 through 8, there are shown steps in a method in accordance with the invention, with elements corresponding to elements of the apparatus 10 being provided with corresponding reference numerals in the series. Thus, there is shown in FIG. 4 a support 112 of insulating material, which is preferably light transmissive and which has in engagement with the lower surface thereof a preferably light transmissive electrically conductive element 151 connected to ground. A stream of for example negative ions 160 is caused to pass over the upper surface of the support 112, the ion stream being represented by alternate arrows and negatively charged particles.

In FIG. 5, a nonconductive sheet of film 161 has been placed upon the upper surface of the support 112 while maintaining the flow of the ion stream 160. The next step as shown in FIG. 6 is the polarization of the sheet 161, the polarizing agent being represented by arrows having a positive charge thereadjacent. The application of the positive charge, by supplying positive ions to the upper surface of the sheet 161, will cause negative ions in sheet 161 to be withdrawn or otherwise neutralized, so that the upper surface of the sheet 161 will have an imbalance of positive charges thereadjacent; as a result, the opposite surface of sheet 161, which is in engagement with the upper surface of the support 112, will have an imbalance or surplus of negatively charged particles; this condition is indicated by the plus and minus signs in FIG. 6. Further, the support 112 will be similarly polarized.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, elements 162 and 163 are placed upon the upper surface of sheet 161. These will become somewhat polarized in the same manner by association with the polarized sheet 161. The continual flow of the ion stream 160 will effect a neutralizing of any charge which may be given to a dust particle or the like, as from the positive ion source 115, so as to continually effect the avoidance of a deposition of dust particles. The elements 162 and 163 may take the form of one or more photographs, drawings, printed paper strips, etc. One or more such elements may be provided, and they may occupy some or all of the surface of the sheet 161. Next, as shown in FIG. 8, a transparent insulative sheet 164 is placed over the first sheet 161 and the element 162, 163, this assemblage being subjected to a polarizing step, conveniently performed by the ionizing generator 1 l5, schematically indicated thereon.

The assembled laminated structure comprising sheets 161 and 164 with the elements 162, 163 between them, may be removed from the support 112, while maintaining the flow of the ion stream 160. This removes the surplus of ions from the outer surfaces of the sheets 161 and 164, thereby avoiding the attraction to them of any dust particles or the like by electrostatic forces.

The herein disclosed method of preparing a laminated structure has been referred to herein, as a method of preparing a pasteup, although it will be appreciated that the method is not limited to such use, but may be utilized in connection with the preparation of other laminated structures, particularly those where electrostatic attraction is utilized, with the avoidance of the accumulation or attraction of dust particles and the like. The present invention method provides a relatively easily performed method not requiring expensive and complex equipment. Further, while in the description of the method hereinabove given, reference has been to the fact that the second sheet applied is of transparent material, the method is not so limited, and may be used where both sheets are transparent, the first applied sheet is transparent, or neither sheet is transparent. Further, the method may be practiced as either a batch process as herein disclosed, or may be carried out in a flow process in which the support, sheets, etc. are in motion.

it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and therefore the invention is not limited to what is shown in the drawings and described in the specification but only as indicated in the appended claims.

1. Laminating apparatus comprising:

nonconductive support means having a grounded conductive element adjacent one surface thereof,

means for generating ions of a particular polarity over an opposite surface of said support means, and means for causing a flow of ions of opposite polarity over the said opposite surface of said support means. 2. The laminating apparatus of claim 1, said support means comprising a light-transmissive plate, and light means proximate said one surface thereof.

3. The laminating apparatus of claim 1, and means mounting said ion generating means for movement over said support means.

4. The laminating apparatus of claim I, said ion generating means comprising a charging bar extending across said support means.

5. The laminating apparatus of claim 4, and means mountin%said charging bar for movement over said support means.

. The laminating apparatus of claim 1, said ion flow causing means comprising a static bar adjacent said support means.

7. The laminating apparatus of claim 6, said ion flow causing means comprising means for causing air to flow past said static bar and thence over said one surface of said support.

8. Apparatus for preparing a laminated structure comprising:

a housing including an inclined flat light-transmitting nonconductive plate,

a light source within said housing,

grounding means engaging said plate over the underside thereof,

a charging bar for generating ions of a particular polarity, means supporting said charging bar for movement over and in spaced relation to the upper surface of said plate,

and means for causing ions of opposite polarity to flow across the upper surface of said plate.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, and further including a source of alternating current connected to said charging bar.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, and further including a source of direct current connected to said last mentioned means.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, said last-mentioned means comprising a static bar within said housing and adjacent an edge of said plate.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, and blower means for causing a current of air to flow past said static bar.

13. A method of making a laminated structure comprising:

placing a sheet of insulating material on a support,

causing ions of opposite polarity to be present in said sheet and said support at the adjacent surfaces thereof to adhere said sheet to said support,

placing at least one additional element of insulative material on said sheet,

placing a second sheet of insulative material over said element so that a surface thereof contacts both said element and said first sheet,

causing ions of opposite polarity to be present at the contacting surfaces of said second sheet on the one hand and said first sheet and element on the other hand to form a three component laminated structure,

and causing a flow of ions over said support, sheets and element of a polarity opposite to the polarity of the ions at the contacting surface of said support while placing said sheets and element.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein a plurality of said elements are placed on said first-mentioned sheet.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein said first sheet is opaque and said second sheet is transparent.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein said sheets are transparent.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein said second sheet is transparent.

l8. Themethod of claim 17, wherein plural elements are placed on said first sheet. 

1. Laminating apparatus comprising: nonconductive support means having a grounded conductive element adjacent one surface thereof, means for generating ions of a particular polarity over an opposite surface of said support means, and means for causing a flow of ions of opposite polarity over the said opposite surface of said support means.
 2. The laminating apparatus of claim 1, said support means comprising a light-transmissive plate, and light means proximate said one surface thereof.
 3. The laminating apparatus of claim 1, and means mounting said ion generating means for movement over said support means.
 4. The laminating apparatus of claim 1, said ion generating means comprising a charging bar extending across said support means.
 5. The laminating apparatus of claim 4, and means mounting said charging bar for movement over said support means.
 6. The laminating apparatus of claim 1, said ion flow causing means comprising a static bar adjacent said support means.
 7. The laminating apparatus of claim 6, said ion flow causing means comprising means for causing air to flow past said static bar and thence over said one surface of said support.
 8. Apparatus for preparing a laminated structure comprising: a housing including an inclined flat light-transmitting nonconductive plate, a light source within said housing, grounding means engaging said plate over the underside thereof, a charging bar for generating ions of a particular polarity, means supporting said charging bar for movement over and in spaced relation to the upper surface of said plate, and means for causing ions of opposite polarity to flow across the upper surface of said plate.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, and further including a source of alternating current connected to said charging bar.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, and further including a source of direct current connected to said last mentioned means.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, said last-mentioned means comprising a static bar within said housing and adjacent an edge of said plate.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, and blower means for causing a current of air to flow past said static bar.
 13. A method of making a laminated structure comprising: placing a sheet of insulating material on a support, causing ions of opposite polarity to be present in said sheet and said support at the adjacent surfaces thereof to adhere said sheet to said support, placing at least one additional element of insulative material on said sheet, placing a second sheet of insulative material over said element so that a surface thereof contacts both said element and said first sheet, causing ions of opposite polarity to be present at the contacting surfaces of said second sheet on the one hand and said first sheet and element on the other hand to form a three component laminated structure, and cauSing a flow of ions over said support, sheets and element of a polarity opposite to the polarity of the ions at the contacting surface of said support while placing said sheets and element.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein a plurality of said elements are placed on said first-mentioned sheet.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein said first sheet is opaque and said second sheet is transparent.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein said sheets are transparent.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein said second sheet is transparent.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein plural elements are placed on said first sheet. 